Hollywood Actors to Go on Strike Against Video Game Companies
The SAG-AFTRA actors' union has officially declared a strike against various video game companies, demanding higher wages and better job security in the face of increasing use of artificial intelligence in their roles. This move comes after prolonged negotiations failed to yield a satisfactory agreement with major industry players such as Activision Blizzard, WB Games, and Electronic Arts. The strike, which echoes last year's action against television and movie studios, aims to ensure fair compensation and protections for actors whose voices and likenesses are used in video games. The union is especially focused on combating the potential replacement of actors with AI technologies. Despite near agreement on many issues, the sticking point remains the use of AI, with the union pushing for significant safeguards. This strike marks another significant action by SAG-AFTRA, following a similar strike in 2016 that had limited impact on the video game industry.
See "Hollywood Actors to Go on Strike Against Video Game Companies", Brooks Barnes and Kellen Browning, New York Times, July 26, 2024